Mira tucked Nicole closer against her side as we walked, one arm wrapped protectively around the girl's shoulders, the other hand gently stroking her hair. Nicole still trembled faintly, but the worst of the shock seemed to have passed—replaced by quiet, wide-eyed acceptance.
"Nicole, don't think too much," Mira murmured, voice soft and soothing despite the lingering flush on her own cheeks. "Anyway, you're following us now… so just know—we're all taking care of you. No more empty bellies. No more cold nights. Mom's here. And… and everyone else is too. You're safe, baby. I promise."
Nicole nodded against her mother's shoulder—small, hesitant, but trusting. "Okay, Mom," she whispered. "I… I believe you."
We kept walking—sand giving way to rocky path, then the familiar shadowed mouth of the cave rising ahead like a promise.
